The Ways of Men
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CHAPTER 26—Pre-palatial Newport

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 The historic Ocean House of Newport is a ruin.  Flames have laid low the unsightly structure that was at one time the best-known hotel in America.  Its fifty-odd years of existence, as well as its day, are over.  Having served a purpose, it has departed, together with the generation and habits of life that produced it, into the limbo1 where old houses, old customs, and superannuated2 ideas survive,—the memory of the few who like to recall other days and wander from time to time in a reconstructed past.
 
There was a certain appropriateness in the manner of its taking off.  The proud old structure had doubtless heard projects of rebuilding discussed by its owners (who for some years had been threatening to tear it down); wounded doubtless by unflattering truths, the hotel decided3 that if its days were numbered, an exit worthy4 of a leading rôle was at least possible.  “Pull me down, indeed!  That is all very well for ordinary hostleries, but from an establishment of my pretensions5, that has received the aristocracy of the country, and countless6 foreign swells7, something more is expected!”
 
So it turned the matter over and debated within its shaky old brain (Mrs. Skewton fashion) what would be the most becoming and effective way of retiring from the social whirl.  Balls have been overdone8; people are no longer tempted9 by receptions; a banquet was out of the question.  Suddenly the wily building hit on an idea.  “I’ll give them a feu d’artifice.  There hasn’t been a first-class fire here since I burned myself down fifty-three years ago!  That kind of entertainment hasn’t been run into the ground like everything else in these

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1 limbo Z06xz     
n.地狱的边缘；监狱
参考例句：
  • His life seemed stuck in limbo and he could not go forward and he could not go back.他的生活好像陷入了不知所措的境地，进退两难。
  • I didn't know whether my family was alive or dead.I felt as if I was in limbo.我不知道家人是生是死，感觉自己茫然无措。
2 superannuated YhOzQq     
adj.老朽的，退休的；v.因落后于时代而废除，勒令退学
参考例句：
  • Are you still riding that superannuated old bike?你还骑那辆老掉牙的自行车吗？
  • No one supports these superannuated policies.没人支持这些过时的政策。
3 decided lvqzZd     
adj.决定了的，坚决的；明显的，明确的
参考例句：
  • This gave them a decided advantage over their opponents.这使他们比对手具有明显的优势。
  • There is a decided difference between British and Chinese way of greeting.英国人和中国人打招呼的方式有很明显的区别。
4 worthy vftwB     
adj.(of)值得的，配得上的；有价值的
参考例句：
  • I did not esteem him to be worthy of trust.我认为他不值得信赖。
  • There occurred nothing that was worthy to be mentioned.没有值得一提的事发生。
5 pretensions 9f7f7ffa120fac56a99a9be28790514a     
自称( pretension的名词复数 )； 自命不凡； 要求； 权力
参考例句：
  • The play mocks the pretensions of the new middle class. 这出戏讽刺了新中产阶级的装模作样。
  • The city has unrealistic pretensions to world-class status. 这个城市不切实际地标榜自己为国际都市。
6 countless 7vqz9L     
adj.无数的，多得不计其数的
参考例句：
  • In the war countless innocent people lost their lives.在这场战争中无数无辜的人丧失了性命。
  • I've told you countless times.我已经告诉你无数遍了。
7 swells e5cc2e057ee1aff52e79fb6af45c685d     
增强( swell的第三人称单数 )； 肿胀； （使）凸出； 充满（激情）
参考例句：
  • The waters were heaving up in great swells. 河水正在急剧上升。
  • A barrel swells in the middle. 水桶中部隆起。
8 overdone 54a8692d591ace3339fb763b91574b53     
v.做得过分( overdo的过去分词 )；太夸张；把…煮得太久；（工作等）过度
参考例句：
  • The lust of men must not be overdone. 人们的欲望不该过分。 来自《现代汉英综合大词典》
  • The joke is overdone. 玩笑开得过火。 来自《现代英汉综合大词典》
9 tempted b0182e969d369add1b9ce2353d3c6ad6     
v.怂恿（某人）干不正当的事；冒…的险（tempt的过去分词）
参考例句：
  • I was sorely tempted to complain, but I didn't. 我极想发牢骚，但还是没开口。
  • I was tempted by the dessert menu. 甜食菜单馋得我垂涎欲滴。
10 degenerate 795ym     
v.退步，堕落；adj.退步的，堕落的；n.堕落者
参考例句：
  • He didn't let riches and luxury make him degenerate.他不因财富和奢华而自甘堕落。
  • Will too much freedom make them degenerate?太多的自由会令他们堕落吗？
11 insignificant k6Mx1     
adj.无关紧要的，可忽略的，无意义的
参考例句：
  • In winter the effect was found to be insignificant.在冬季，这种作用是不明显的。
  • This problem was insignificant compared to others she faced.这一问题与她面临的其他问题比较起来算不得什么。
12 celebrity xcRyQ     
n.名人，名流；著名，名声，名望
参考例句：
  • Tom found himself something of a celebrity. 汤姆意识到自己已小有名气了。
  • He haunted famous men, hoping to get celebrity for himself. 他常和名人在一起, 希望借此使自己获得名气。
13 dearth dYOzS     
n.缺乏，粮食不足，饥谨
参考例句：
  • There is a dearth of good children's plays.目前缺少优秀的儿童剧。
  • Many people in that country died because of dearth of food.那个国家有许多人因为缺少粮食而死。
14 demise Cmazg     
n.死亡；v.让渡，遗赠，转让
参考例句：
  • He praised the union's aims but predicted its early demise.他赞扬协会的目标，但预期这一协会很快会消亡。
  • The war brought about the industry's sudden demise.战争道致这个行业就这么突然垮了。
15 fixed JsKzzj     
adj.固定的，不变的，准备好的；(计算机)固定的
参考例句：
  • Have you two fixed on a date for the wedding yet?你们俩选定婚期了吗？
  • Once the aim is fixed,we should not change it arbitrarily.目标一旦确定，我们就不应该随意改变。
16 epoch riTzw     
n.(新)时代；历元
参考例句：
  • The epoch of revolution creates great figures.革命时代造就伟大的人物。
  • We're at the end of the historical epoch,and at the dawn of another.我们正处在一个历史时代的末期，另一个历史时代的开端。
17 primitive vSwz0     
adj.原始的；简单的；n.原(始)人，原始事物
参考例句：
  • It is a primitive instinct to flee a place of danger.逃离危险的地方是一种原始本能。
  • His book describes the march of the civilization of a primitive society.他的著作描述了一个原始社会的开化过程。
18 palatial gKhx0     
adj.宫殿般的，宏伟的
参考例句：
  • Palatial office buildings are being constructed in the city.那个城市正在兴建一些宫殿式办公大楼。
  • He bought a palatial house.他买了套富丽堂皇的大房子。
19 destined Dunznz     
adj.命中注定的；(for)以…为目的地的
参考例句：
  • It was destined that they would marry.他们结婚是缘分。
  • The shipment is destined for America.这批货物将运往美国。
20 lasting IpCz02     
adj.永久的，永恒的；vbl.持续，维持
参考例句：
  • The lasting war debased the value of the dollar.持久的战争使美元贬值。
  • We hope for a lasting settlement of all these troubles.我们希望这些纠纷能获得永久的解决。
21 dispense lZgzh     
vt.分配，分发；配(药)，发(药)；实施
参考例句：
  • Let us dispense the food.咱们来分发这食物。
  • The charity has been given a large sum of money to dispense as it sees fit.这个慈善机构获得一大笔钱，可自行适当分配。
22 drawn MuXzIi     
v.拖，拉，拔出；adj.憔悴的，紧张的
参考例句：
  • All the characters in the story are drawn from life.故事中的所有人物都取材于生活。
  • Her gaze was drawn irresistibly to the scene outside.她的目光禁不住被外面的风景所吸引。
23 archaic 4Nyyd     
adj.(语言、词汇等)古代的，已不通用的
参考例句：
  • The company does some things in archaic ways,such as not using computers for bookkeeping.这个公司有些做法陈旧，如记账不使用电脑。
  • Shaanxi is one of the Chinese archaic civilized origins which has a long history.陕西省是中国古代文明发祥之一，有悠久的历史。
24 vigor yLHz0     
n.活力，精力，元气
参考例句：
  • The choir sang the words out with great vigor.合唱团以极大的热情唱出了歌词。
  • She didn't want to be reminded of her beauty or her former vigor.现在，她不愿人们提起她昔日的美丽和以前的精力充沛。
25 apocryphal qwgzZ     
adj.假冒的，虚假的
参考例句：
  • Most of the story about his private life was probably apocryphal.有关他私生活的事可能大部分都是虚构的。
  • This may well be an apocryphal story.这很可能是个杜撰的故事。
26 prolix z0fzz     
adj.罗嗦的；冗长的
参考例句：
  • Too much speaking makes it a little prolix.说那么多，有些罗嗦了。
  • Her style is tediously prolix.她的文章冗长而乏味。
27 jaws cq9zZq     
n.口部；嘴
参考例句：
  • The antelope could not escape the crocodile's gaping jaws. 那只羚羊无法从鱷鱼张开的大口中逃脱。
  • The scored jaws of a vise help it bite the work. 台钳上有刻痕的虎钳牙帮助它紧咬住工件。
28 ignominious qczza     
adj.可鄙的，不光彩的，耻辱的
参考例句：
  • The marriage was considered especially ignominious since she was of royal descent.由于她出身王族，这门婚事被认为是奇耻大辱。
  • Many thought that he was doomed to ignominious failure.许多人认为他注定会极不光彩地失败。
29 affected TzUzg0     
adj.不自然的，假装的
参考例句：
  • She showed an affected interest in our subject.她假装对我们的课题感到兴趣。
  • His manners are affected.他的态度不自然。
30 pervaded cf99c400da205fe52f352ac5c1317c13     
v.遍及，弥漫( pervade的过去式和过去分词 )
参考例句：
  • A retrospective influence pervaded the whole performance. 怀旧的影响弥漫了整个演出。 来自《简明英汉词典》
  • The air is pervaded by a smell [smoking]. 空气中弥散着一种气味[烟味]。 来自《现代英汉综合大词典》
31 tiresome Kgty9     
adj.令人疲劳的，令人厌倦的
参考例句：
  • His doubts and hesitations were tiresome.他的疑惑和犹豫令人厌烦。
  • He was tiresome in contending for the value of his own labors.他老为他自己劳动的价值而争强斗胜，令人生厌。
32 refinement kinyX     
n.文雅；高尚；精美；精制；精炼
参考例句：
  • Sally is a woman of great refinement and beauty. 莎莉是个温文尔雅又很漂亮的女士。
  • Good manners and correct speech are marks of refinement.彬彬有礼和谈吐得体是文雅的标志。
33 ward LhbwY     
n.守卫，监护，病房，行政区，由监护人或法院保护的人（尤指儿童）；vt.守护，躲开
参考例句：
  • The hospital has a medical ward and a surgical ward.这家医院有内科病房和外科病房。
  • During the evening picnic,I'll carry a torch to ward off the bugs.傍晚野餐时，我要点根火把，抵挡蚊虫。
34 luxurious S2pyv     
adj.精美而昂贵的；豪华的
参考例句：
  • This is a luxurious car complete with air conditioning and telephone.这是一辆附有空调设备和电话的豪华轿车。
  • The rich man lives in luxurious surroundings.这位富人生活在奢侈的环境中。
35 ebb ebb     
vi.衰退，减退；n.处于低潮，处于衰退状态
参考例句：
  • The flood and ebb tides alternates with each other.涨潮和落潮交替更迭。
  • They swam till the tide began to ebb.他们一直游到开始退潮。
36 grooms b9d1c7c7945e283fe11c0f1d27513083     
n.新郎( groom的名词复数 )；马夫v.照料或梳洗（马等）( groom的第三人称单数 )；使做好准备；训练；（给动物）擦洗
参考例句：
  • Plender end Wilcox became joint grooms of the chambers. 普伦德和威尔科克斯成为共同的贴身侍从。 来自辞典例句
  • Egypt: Families, rather than grooms, propose to the bride. 埃及：在埃及，由新郎的家人，而不是新郎本人，向新娘求婚。 来自互联网
37 naval h1lyU     
adj.海军的，军舰的，船的
参考例句：
  • He took part in a great naval battle.他参加了一次大海战。
  • The harbour is an important naval base.该港是一个重要的海军基地。
38 promenading 4657255b658a23d23f8a61ac546a0c1c     
v.兜风( promenade的现在分词 )
参考例句：
  • No doubt this "promenading" was not at all to her taste. 没有问题，这样“溜圈儿”是压根儿不合她口胃的。 来自辞典例句
  • People were promenading about the town. 人们在镇上闲步[漫步]。 来自互联网
39 parlor v4MzU     
n.店铺，营业室；会客室，客厅
参考例句：
  • She was lying on a small settee in the parlor.她躺在客厅的一张小长椅上。
  • Is there a pizza parlor in the neighborhood?附近有没有比萨店？
40 admiration afpyA     
n.钦佩，赞美，羡慕
参考例句：
  • He was lost in admiration of the beauty of the scene.他对风景之美赞不绝口。
  • We have a great admiration for the gold medalists.我们对金牌获得者极为敬佩。
41 shudder JEqy8     
v.战粟，震动，剧烈地摇晃；n.战粟，抖动
参考例句：
  • The sight of the coffin sent a shudder through him.看到那副棺材，他浑身一阵战栗。
  • We all shudder at the thought of the dreadful dirty place.我们一想到那可怕的肮脏地方就浑身战惊。
42 idiotic wcFzd     
adj.白痴的
参考例句：
  • It is idiotic to go shopping with no money.去买东西而不带钱是很蠢的。
  • The child's idiotic deeds caused his family much trouble.那小孩愚蠢的行为给家庭带来许多麻烦。
43 fad phyzL     
n.时尚；一时流行的狂热；一时的爱好
参考例句：
  • His interest in photography is only a passing fad.他对摄影的兴趣只是一时的爱好罢了。
  • A hot business opportunity is based on a long-term trend not a short-lived fad.一个热门的商机指的是长期的趋势而非一时的流行。
44 peculiarity GiWyp     
n.独特性，特色；特殊的东西；怪癖
参考例句：
  • Each country has its own peculiarity.每个国家都有自己的独特之处。
  • The peculiarity of this shop is its day and nigth service.这家商店的特点是昼夜服务。
45 epitome smyyW     
n.典型，梗概
参考例句：
  • He is the epitome of goodness.他是善良的典范。
  • This handbook is a neat epitome of everyday hygiene.这本手册概括了日常卫生的要点。
46 inaccessible 49Nx8     
adj.达不到的，难接近的
参考例句：
  • This novel seems to me among the most inaccessible.这本书对我来说是最难懂的小说之一。
  • The top of Mount Everest is the most inaccessible place in the world.珠穆朗玛峰是世界上最难到达的地方。
47 promenade z0Wzy     
n./v.散步
参考例句：
  • People came out in smarter clothes to promenade along the front.人们穿上更加时髦漂亮的衣服，沿着海滨散步。
  • We took a promenade along the canal after Sunday dinner.星期天晚饭后我们沿着运河散步。
48 hacks 7524d17c38ed0b02a3dc699263d3ce94     
黑客
参考例句：
  • But there are hacks who take advantage of people like Teddy. 但有些无赖会占类似泰迪的人的便宜。 来自电影对白
  • I want those two hacks back here, right now. 我要那两个雇工回到这儿，现在就回。 来自互联网
49 piazzas 65c5d30adf75380f3e2a0e60acb19814     
n.广场，市场( piazza的名词复数 )
参考例句：
  • In the cities of Italy, piazzas are the acknowledged centers of local activity. 在意大利的城市里，广场是公认的群众活动中心。 来自互联网
  • Alleyways wind through the city like a maze, opening up into surprising, sunny fountained piazzas. 小巷子像迷宫一般蜿蜒穿过这座城市，出现在令人惊讶、绚烂的喷泉广场上。 来自互联网
50 inane T4mye     
adj.空虚的，愚蠢的，空洞的
参考例句：
  • She started asking me inane questions.她开始问我愚蠢的问题。
  • Such comments are inane because they don't help us solve our problem.这种评论纯属空洞之词，不能帮助我们解决问题。
51 disappearance ouEx5     
n.消失，消散，失踪
参考例句：
  • He was hard put to it to explain her disappearance.他难以说明她为什么不见了。
  • Her disappearance gave rise to the wildest rumours.她失踪一事引起了各种流言蜚语。
52 testimony zpbwO     
n.证词；见证，证明
参考例句：
  • The testimony given by him is dubious.他所作的证据是可疑的。
  • He was called in to bear testimony to what the police officer said.他被传入为警官所说的话作证。
53 awakening 9ytzdV     
n.觉醒，醒悟 adj.觉醒中的；唤醒的
参考例句：
  • the awakening of interest in the environment 对环境产生的兴趣
  • People are gradually awakening to their rights. 人们正逐渐意识到自己的权利。
54 herding herding     
中畜群
参考例句：
  • The little boy is herding the cattle. 这个小男孩在放牛。
  • They have been herding cattle on the tableland for generations. 他们世世代代在这高原上放牧。
55 undoubtedly Mfjz6l     
adv.确实地，无疑地
参考例句：
  • It is undoubtedly she who has said that.这话明明是她说的。
  • He is undoubtedly the pride of China.毫无疑问他是中国的骄傲。
56 charred 2d03ad55412d225c25ff6ea41516c90b     
v.把…烧成炭( char的过去式)；烧焦
参考例句：
  • the charred remains of a burnt-out car 被烧焦的轿车残骸
  • The intensity of the explosion is recorded on the charred tree trunks. 那些烧焦的树干表明爆炸的强烈。 来自《简明英汉词典》
57 retired Njhzyv     
adj.隐退的，退休的，退役的
参考例句：
  • The old man retired to the country for rest.这位老人下乡休息去了。
  • Many retired people take up gardening as a hobby.许多退休的人都以从事园艺为嗜好。
58 ragged KC0y8     
adj.衣衫褴褛的，粗糙的，刺耳的
参考例句：
  • A ragged shout went up from the small crowd.这一小群人发出了刺耳的喊叫。
  • Ragged clothing infers poverty.破衣烂衫意味着贫穷。
59 urchin 0j8wS     
n.顽童；海胆
参考例句：
  • You should sheer off the urchin.你应该躲避这顽童。
  • He is a most wicked urchin.他是个非常调皮的顽童。

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